Da Gracias

God has taken my the world and flipped it upside down and then He gave it a few shakes. To say that I am so thankful for having God rock my world is such an understatement. I am thankful for my family who have prayed along side of me during this shaking and rocking. My parents are the strong pillars that hold up not only themselves but also my brother and I. Both my mom and dad have a strength and determination to them. I am grateful for all their kindness, love, and patience throughout this past year. I am also thankful for my crazy and very spontaneous brother. He is not my best friend by default but my best friend by choice. His laughter is contagious and he can change the atmosphere of any room and make it one giant party.

If God has taught me anything in this past year it's one thing, family is important. Spending time building relationships with the ones closest to you is important. Investing in their lives from the youngest to the wisest is important. When everything else is gone, all you have left is family. Treasure it and hold it close. I am thankful for family!

Slapped with selfishness

Learning that it's not about me is a great lesson to learn. When you are put into a situation where you have to be selfless and put others before yourself, it can become real clear how selfish you have been. Watching children can show you how selfish you are. Wanting to do something for yourself but getting derailed by a family event can show you how selfish you are. Having all your friends birthdays in one month causing your finances to be stretched and no extra funds for you can show you how selfish you are. [yup... all recent personal lessons. ]

Friendships, family, relationships, and children, each of these requires a big amount of selflessness. Others come first and I come second. We've all heard it and for the most part abide by that simple life rule but for the moments when we need another reminder, God will give us one. I love it when God really brings home a lesson to me. This lesson of selflessness has been brought home after caring for my little cousin for the past couple weekends. As I stepped into the role of "best cousin ever," I found myself becoming completely selfless and pouring myself into my little cousin. Speaking into her life, training her, and showing my love with lots of hugs and cuddles. I also found myself totally exhausted. Giving of yourself takes a lot out of you. But each morning came a new dose of energy and desire to do it all again. Waking up and asking God for a selfless spirit shows Him your humility and true desire to put others before yourself. However, don't ask God for this if you aren't ready to be tested. Because He will test you and your test might come in a small [but very cute] 3 year old.  

Philippians 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others."

Christmas Break Part 2 [phone photos]

Christmas break is officially over. Time to go back to work. I think a break from your job and regular routine is neccesary. You return refreshed and relaxed. I also miss the kids I take care of very very much. 2 weeks is a long enough break. I was able to see the majority of my family and friends. I also ate lots of tacos, saw lots of movies (Frozen-2x, The Hobbit in 3D, and The Book Thief), gave and received gifts, and took a road trip to see my Gramma. I sure packed in a lot of stuff in just 2 weeks. 

Here's part two of my Christmas break phone photos. If you missed part 1 go HERE. 

^if you ever need someone to make a nun habit for a puppet, I'm your girl.^ 

^washing the dishes after our church Christmas dinner and listening to a cassette of 'A Very Veggie Christmas' is a very long tradition. ^

^i went to the gym almost every day over break and loved taking the time just for myself.^

^i think it's safe to say that all my Christmas biggby coffee gift cards have been spent. also can we just take a moment to acknowledge how perfect my eye liner is... i mean, i had to include a selfie. ^

Moore Family Christmas Card Photo Shoot 2013

 I think sending out Christmas cards to family and friends is an adorable tradition. I love hanging them up and getting to see pictures of family that I don't get to see often. Well... getting my family together for a Christmas card photo shoot is not the easiest thing. Although it should be, there's only four of us. (well six if you include the doggies). We choose a freezing cold day, 17 degrees to be exact. We got the shots done and created some memories along the way.  

Northern Living

The past week was spent up north in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Which is an adorable fancy pants town with very chic and expensive houses. Aka... where I should be living. I decided that I am going to live in a condo above this cute little fudge shop and work at the 

childcare center in downtown Petoskey. (hey... a girl can dream right?) 

It's weird how such a beautiful place like Northern Michigan can make you forget about all your responsibilities back home. For a week I forgot about them and dreamed up a northern living life. Biking was a way of transportation and salt water taffy was everywhere! 

Who wouldn't like that life? 

During the week my dad and brother went zip-lining. I put countless miles on my bike (including a 30 mile trip between Petoskey and Charlevoix). Running along the beach was a daily activity. I tried to even out my band camp tan lines at the pool. We shopped at local boutiques downtown. We crossed the Mackinaw Bridge and shopped in Mackinaw City. 

Overall the week was wonderful. A break well deserved! 

4 day weekend

Having Independence day on Thursday was the greatest blessing ever. The 4 day weekend was filled with amazing fun. From my birthday festivities to family time at Sandy Pines. I spent my birthday with my family and my second family. I learned to cook an amazing meal under the supervision of my Mama. Enchiladas verdes, spanish rice, and frijoles borrachos.

We also had our own froyo bar instead of a birthday cake! After dinner we all went to see despicable me 2, which was hilarious! My birthday was nothing short of amazing! 

Independence day starting with a parade and ended with fireworks. There was hot dogs, pasta salad, swimming and an intense game of phase 10 in between. 

Praise God for a Monday off to relax and recover after the past 4 days of fun! 

Family Photo Shoot

The other night my family and I went out to downtown Holland for a Christmas card photo shoot. Ideally nighttime is not the greatest for outdoor pictures because it's dark but with a family of all working adults it's tough to get together as a family, let alone during the day. Here are some of our shots courtesy of my cousin Janelle Arreola.